Car Care Tips

Deep down, you know your car should be checked out before hitting the road for any holiday trip, but with so many other things left to do, some folks put it off. Bad idea, says the Car Care Council, especially when motorists realize that in as little as 10 minutes, they can determine if their car is ready for long-distance travel.

The 10-minute pre-trip checkup recommended by the council includes the following:

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is small potatoes compared to a big helping of inconvenience if you break down many miles away from home, according to the Car Care Council.

Moving into a new area, who’s the most important professional you seek out? Your family doctor, of course, a dentist, your pharmacist and, somewhere down the road… your auto mechanic.

The decision on your car care professional, while not a critical as selecting health care professionals, nevertheless is important. Further, that should be made when you’re in control of the situation, not when the car breaks down and can’t be driven.

(“Where do you want me to tow your car, ma’am?” “Gosh, I don’t know?!”)

A new video from the non-profit Car Care Council entitled “Auto Service and Repair: What to Expect,” takes the guesswork out of auto service by giving consumers a behind-the-scenes look at the repair shop experience.

It’s gift-giving crunch time so if you’re still struggling with what to give a loved one, family member or friend this holiday season, the perfect present may be related to vehicle safety. Tire pressure gauges, ice scrapers, emergency kits, windshield wipers or the Car Care Guide, published by the non-profit Car Care Council, are ideal for any drivers on your list.

The Car Care Council suggests you “green your routine” when it comes to your car and offers five ways you and your vehicle can help protect the environment and save at the pump.

“Basic vehicle maintenance goes a long way toward protecting the environment, and it can keep more ‘green’ in your wallet through better fuel economy,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Vehicle owners who do their own maintenance should remember to recycle or properly dispose of fluids and other vehicle components, including used motor oil, tires and batteries.”

It’s a bright idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working properly so you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, advises the Car Care Council. 

Automotive maintenance tips from NASCAR stars. A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Vegas up for grabs. NASCAR Performance has launched the 2011 “Extreme Measures” public service announcement campaign and accompanying sweepstakes, which will provide one NASCAR fan with a VIP trip to this year’s NASCAR Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.

WATCH THE VIDEO of Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, James Buescher, Ricky Stenhouse and Trevor Bayne as they go to any length to improve car performance and enter the Extreme Measures Sweepstakes today!

Step-By-Step Instructions for a Complete Brake Job Using CRC Brake Maintenance Products